Xiangjiaba Dam
6.4 GW hydro power plant in China
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 2014, Xiangjiaba Dam is a hydro power plant located in China with an installed capacity of 6.4 GW. It is operated by China Three Gorges Corporation. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 10 power plants in China.
Why It Matters
Xiangjiaba Dam is a critical piece of China's electricity infrastructure, producing enough power for approximately 2.3 million US-equivalent households per year. Hydroelectric facilities are dispatchable: their output can be ramped up and down quickly to match grid demand, which makes them especially valuable for balancing the rest of the system.
Environmental Impact
Xiangjiaba Dam produces effectively zero operating-stage emissions, displacing roughly 22.5 million tonnes of CO2 per year compared to a coal-equivalent. Large hydroelectric projects do reshape rivers and ecosystems: they trap sediment, alter water temperatures downstream, and can block fish migration. The size of these impacts varies dramatically by site.
Fun Facts
- One of the 10 largest power plants in China.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 2.3 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 12 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Xiangjiaba Dam produce?▾
Xiangjiaba Dam has an installed nameplate capacity of 6.4 GW. At typical capacity factors for hydro plants (~42%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 2.3 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Xiangjiaba Dam located?▾
Xiangjiaba Dam is located in China at approximately 28.6306°, 104.3972°.
When was Xiangjiaba Dam built?▾
Xiangjiaba Dam was commissioned in 2014.
Who owns Xiangjiaba Dam?▾
Xiangjiaba Dam is owned and operated by China Three Gorges Corporation.
About Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric power plants use the kinetic energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. They are renewable, produce no direct emissions, and can provide reliable baseload power or flexible peaking capacity.
Other Hydroelectric Power Plants in China
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Three Gorges Dam | 22.5 GW | China Three Gorges Corporation |
| ⚡Baihetan Dam | 16.0 GW | China Three Gorges Corporation |
| ⚡Xiluodu Dam | 13.9 GW | China Three Gorges Corporation |
| ⚡Wudongde Dam | 10.2 GW | China Three Gorges Corporation |
| ⚡Longtan Dam | 6.4 GW | China Datang Corporation |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.